Mexikosher in Los Angeles Closes

By COLlive reporter

Adiós!

The original Mexikosher restaurant in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles has closed its doors on Thursday, bringing an 8-year run to an end.

The restaurant was open during the Pesach holiday with a specialized menu and served its final dishes before sundown on the 4th day of Chol Hamoed, foodie website Eater Los Angeles reported.

The tiny storefront, opened by Chef Katsuji Tanabe, almost immediately drew fans for its inventive menu that offers completely kosher takes on quality Mexican food, the website wrote.

While the restaurant itself was never much to look at, the place became home for a community eager to eat within their cultural boundaries without feeling like they’d sacrificed on flavor or quality, Eater LA noted.

“We are turning off our lights for the last time tonight,” Tanabe, who is not Jewish, wrote in a message about the store that had the kosher certification of the Rabbinical Council of California (RCC).

“We do so not with sadness, but with celebration. We sincerely thank all of our many loyal guests over the past eight years. You have welcomed us into your homes, your community and your family and we will be forever grateful. We had a wonderful run.”

It was reported that Tanabe is focusing on growing his prospects on the east coast with projects in New York and Chicago. One of them is Mexikosher on 100 West 83rd Street in New York’s Upper West Side, under the supervision of the OU.

The notice drew strong reactions on social media. “Thank you for the great food and service. I wish you well,” wrote Diane Hirsch. While Daniel A. Sichel wrote: “I’m glad you’re keeping the outposts in NYC, since it’s closer to home for me, but definitely sad to see the original go.”